"There is obviously a small but significant number of directors who could handle two films of this magnitude, but we have no commitment to anybody. Now that Peter is an integral part of the decision-making process, we all have to see eye-to-eye on any candidate we try to enlist."
So my guess is they have their eye on a few people. Remember that
New Line list that went around a while ago with a shortlist of names they wanted to helm the picture. It looked something like this... Sam Raimi (SPIDER-MAN 1-3, THE EVIL DEAD) (first choice, the rest of the names were only if he turned them down). Peter Weir (MASTER AND COMMANDER, THE TRUMAN SHOW) Stephen Sommers (THE MUMMY, VAN HELSING) Michael Bay (THE ISLAND, TRANSFORMERS) Brad Silberling (LEMONY SNICKETT) Bill Condon (DREAMGIRLS, KINSEY) The only name above that we can rule out for sure would be Sommers, as he's now working on G.I. JOE which should see him busy for the next 18 months. The rest should be ok to direct it, if called upon. Top of the list is Raimi. Ever since the rumors of the director's involvement last Christmas when an agreement with Jackson looked untenable, Raimi has distanced himself from any directorial projects and has been very quiet over his own future on his SPIDER-MAN franchise.
Raimi is a huge Tolkien fan. He has said in the past he would like to work under Peter Jackson and Jackson himself has said the same back, so there doesn't really seem to be a lot stopping this from becoming a reality. Peter Weir would be a fantastic choice and would have my vote if Raimi was not interested. Of course you can't talk about fantasy projects without bringing up the name of Guillermo del Toro. The director of HELLBOY and PAN'S LABYRINTH has been seen by many as 'the next Peter Jackson' who is just waiting for a big budget project to take his career to the next level. Del Toro is a huge fan favourite for this job and he has already turned down two fantasy franchises (HARRY POTTER, NARNIA) and if that third offer turns out to be THE HOBBIT, it might just be too big for him to waver. Alfonso Cuaron must also be a favourite. The talented director of HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN and CHILDREN OF MEN... certainly has the chops and drive for something like this. Anyone who has directed a HARRY POTTER movie should be in with a shout. Then what about Neil Blomkamp, or would that bring up too many problems that would see a repeat situation of HALO. Is Blomkamp even a Tolkien fan? So here's the debate. Who should direct THE HOBBIT. We have a list of possible candidates below, let me know what you think...